Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
Remove the front halfshafts. For additional information, refer to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .

CAUTION: Index-mark the front axle pinion flange and the front driveshaft, and the front output shaft and the front driveshaft constant velocity joint.

CAUTION: Always disconnect the front driveshaft from the transfer case first. Otherwise, the weight of the driveshaft can pinch the boot between the shaft and the boot which can cause the boot to tear.

NOTE: Tape the bearing cups to prevent them from falling off the spider.

Remove the front driveshaft. For additional information, refer to DRIVESHAFT .
Position a suitable hydraulic jack under the front axle. Securely strap the jack to the axle.

Fig 1: Strapping Jack To Axle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the axle assembly insulator bolts.
- Tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 2: Removing Axle Assembly Insulator Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Lower the axle to gain access to the axle vent hose.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Axle Vent Hose

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the axle vent hose.
Lower the axle assembly from the vehicle.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- If necessary, fill the axle with lubricant to 9.56 mm (0.38 in) below the bottom of the axle fill hole.